Cookie Monster greets guests at a recent film in the Wednesday Morning Movie Series by Classic Cinemas. (Photo provided)

The Wednesday Morning Movie Series offered children at each Classic Cinemas location just revealed the surprise movie to cap the summer lineup will be "The Croods." Games and costumed characters are on hand to entertain kids before show time.

Each family film is rated G or PG. Doors open at 9 a.m., with the film starting at 10 a.m. General admission costs $1 per person.

Reservations will be taken in advance for groups of 15 or more, based on a group rate of $5 per person. The group rate includes admission, Kiddie Combo and reserved seats to allow groups to be seated together.
Movie schedule and plots

• July 3 – “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” (2012) PG

No more school – Greg is more than ready for the days of summer, but his plans go completely wrong. What is he going to do with his summer vacation? Starring Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron and Devon Bostick.

• July 10 – “Rise of the Guardians” (2012) PG

The Immortal Guardians of the world add an unlikely member to their team to protect children all around the world from the evil spirit, Pitch. Starring Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Isla Fisher.

• July 17 – “Hotel for Dogs” (2009) PG

Two kids secretly take in stray dogs at a vacant hotel, which, of course, turns into a disaster. Starring Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin and Lisa Kudrow.

• July 24 – “Muppets from Space” (1999) G

Kermit and the gang go on a journey to rescue a kidnapped Gonzo and reunite him with his long-last alien family. Starring Dave Goelz, Steve Witmire and Bill Barretta.

• July 31 – “Escape from Planet Earth” (2013) PG

Astronaut Scorch Supernova finds himself caught in a trap when he responds to an SOS from a notoriously dangerous alien planet, Earth. Starring the vocal talents of Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba.

• Aug. 7 – “The Croods” (2013) PG

“The Croods” is a prehistoric comedy adventure that follows the world's first family as they embark on the journey of a lifetime after the cave that always has shielded them from danger is destroyed. Traveling across a spectacular landscape, the Croods discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures – and their outlook is changed forever. Starring the voices of Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Nicholas Cage.

About Classic Cinemas

Based in Downers Grove, the family-owned company is operated by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. Established in 1978, Classic Cinemas operates 13 theaters with 100 screens in the northern Illinois area.

Suburban locations include York Theatre in Elmhurst, Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove, North Riverside Mall Theatre, Ogden 6 in Naperville, and Lake Theatre in Oak Park.